McLaren Chief Criticises Red Bull's Accountability

Brown criticises Horner and Red Bull, addressing major issues within F1’s competitive integrity.

Zak Brown Displeased with Red Bull and Christian Horner’s Failure to Acknowledge Faults The McLaren F1 CEO specifically points to the Austrian team’s 2021 budget overrun, which was never officially acknowledged as an error.

Zak Brown expressed dissatisfaction that Red Bull and Christian Horner have not fully accepted responsibility for certain criticisms levelled against them. Specifically, he referred to the Austrian team’s budget overspend in 2021, which has never been openly acknowledged as a mistake.

“I’ve known Christian for 25 or 30 years. We used to race against each other. I would say we got along well,” Brown stated, wishing for more honesty from the Red Bull director. “I believe in transparency.”

“I believe you need to raise your hand when you make a mistake. Regarding the budget cap, the excuses that have been made, I’ve never really heard ‘we simply got it wrong.’ I’ve heard excuses, and I’ve seen them fail to take responsibility.”

“When someone breaches the cost cap and does not seem to take it seriously, it undermines the integrity and very essence of the sport. For me, it’s not about the person. It’s about protecting our sport.”

Brown also recalled his call for transparency in what is now known as ‘the Horner affair’, following allegations of harassment against the Briton: “And when I see things that are not in line with our values, I will speak out because it’s important that people understand where we are headed.”

“I am aware that this may not always be popular, or that I won’t be everyone’s friend in the pit lane, but as long as I am a friend to McLaren, our fans, our partners, that’s what matters most to me.”

However, Brown denied that McLaren is looking to recruit Adrian Newey, who left Red Bull earlier this year: “We are not going to sign Adrian. I am very pleased with the team. Adrian is a great friend, a huge talent, with an unparalleled CV.”

“But with what we have in place here, I could not be happier. We can do the job. I am happy with the race team we have, and we are going to try to win the world championship with the team that is here today.”

Brown hinted at a possible Constructors’ Championship bid from McLaren this year: “It’s going to be a fierce fight. I think it will be a fierce struggle among the four teams. You’re going to witness epic battles. Eight drivers who can turn up at almost any circuit and win, and it’s going to be exciting.”